Replaceable moving target system and method

ABSTRACT

An electronic moving target system and method, which users may aim and shoot various instruments at which can be configured to present rigid or flexible targets from a variety of different directions. The target system presents users with realistic moving targets which may be quickly and easily be replaced as needed. The moving target system is fully programmable by a user and may present a series of varying challenges to a marksman. The moving target system may include a target surface operatively connected to a control arm which is powered by a motor. The motor receives signals from a control box supplying instructions from a microcontroller.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to a user controlled target system and method, andmore specifically to embodiments of a moveable target providingintegration of easy to replace, inexpensive target surfaces into a fullyprogrammable, portable, motorized target practice system.

BACKGROUND

Conventional shooting targets such as paper or metal targets aretypically either stationary or use centrifugal force to create motionfor a short duration. Stationary targets do not accurately simulate reallife scenarios in which targets are typically in motion. Additionally astationary target is less challenging to hit.

Devices which rely on centrifugal force to generate motion require theuser to manually set the target in motion and the movement willtypically last for a limited period of time. Targets that require theuser to manually set the target in motion may not safely be implementedin facilities where multiple people are shooting because it couldpotentially place the user in the line of fire from other shooters.

Devices which rely on metal targets present a further safety risk asprojectiles can ricochet off of the target object and back towards theuser or toward other individuals in the vicinity. The ricochets may bedangerous due to their unpredictability and ultimately cause injuries ormay damage expensive equipment. Furthermore, the replacement of metaltargets may be time consuming and involve an intricate installation ordisassembly process. Metal target systems can require invasive changesto the range's infrastructure at great expense and may require extensiveperiods of time when individuals must refrain from actively shootingdown range.

Thus, a need exists for a fully programmable moveable target which alsofeatures quick installation and removal of used target surfaces, amethod for moving a target in various user controlled directions from asafe distance and a method for quickly installing and removing thereplaceable target systems.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a movingprogrammable target practice system comprising a target surface, acontrol arm capable of receiving and securing the target surface, amotor capable of changing the target surface's position; and amicrocontroller capable of directing the motor's output.

A second aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a method formoving a target comprising the steps of placing the microcontroller incommunication with a motor, programming a microcontroller with at leastone set of instructions to control the motor, connecting a control armto the motor, attaching a target surface to the control arm andsupplying a signal to the microcontroller to execute at least one of theat least one set of instructions.

A third aspect of this disclosure relates generally to an apparatus forsecuring a target surface comprising a least one pair of intersectinggrooves, wherein the at least one pair of intersecting grooves includeat least one flange interlocking with the target surface.

A fourth aspect of this disclosure relates generally to a method forsecuring a target surface to a control arm comprising interlocking afirst side of a target surface with a first side of a control arm andinterlocking a second side of the target surface against a second sideof the control arm.

A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates generally to an apparatus fortarget practice comprising a removable target surface, a control arm anda means for securing the target surface to the control arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference tothe following figures, wherein like designations denote like members,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a moving targetsystem;

FIG. 2A depicts a front view of an embodiment of a moving target system;

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the embodiment of the moving targetsystem of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a moving target system;

FIG. 3B depicts a flow chart of an alternate embodiment of a movingtarget system;

FIG. 4A depicts a front view of an embodiment of a control arm;

FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the embodiment of the control arm of FIG.4A;

FIG. 4C depicts a top view of the embodiment of the control arm of FIG.4A

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a motor box;

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of the embodiment of the motor box of FIG.5A;

FIG. 5C depicts a front view of the embodiment of the motor box of FIG.5A;

FIG. 6A depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a control arm and amotor box;

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a control armattached to a motor box

FIG. 7A depicts a front view of an embodiment of an input mechanism;

FIG. 7B depicts a side view of the embodiment of the input mechanism ofFIG. 7A

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of the movingtarget system featuring an array of targets;

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of a movingtarget system of

FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a moving target systemfeaturing a computer as a wireless input mechanism.

FIG. 10A depicts a side view of an embodiment of a moving target systemwhile installing a target surface.

FIG. 10B depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a target attachingto a control arm.

FIG. 11A depicts a front view an alternative embodiment of a movingtarget system including swivel.

FIG. 11B depicts a front view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11Aincluding a secondary motor attached to the swivel.

FIG. 11C depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11Aincluding a secondary motor attached to the swivel.

FIG. 12A depicts a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11Aincluding a control arm attached to the secondary motor attached to theswivel.

FIG. 12B depicts a front view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11Aincluding a control arm attached to the secondary motor attached to theswivel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of thedisclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way ofexemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope ofthe present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number ofconstituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, therelative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as anexample of embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures, in somecases, show overlapping components in assembly. The overlap isillustrative of an interference fit in which the components flex orotherwise accommodate the assembly of the components.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, asused in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, which depicts a preferred embodiment of a movingtarget system 100. The moving target system 100 includes a motor box orhousing 101. The motor box 101 may house and protect electricalcomponents which may send electrical signals to the motor. The motor box101 may be constructed out of any material sufficiently strong enough toprotect the interior components of the motor box 101 including bulletproof materials such as Kevlar®, Lexan®, carbon fiber compositematerials or sufficiently strong metals such as steel, iron, andtitanium. The motor box 101 may store a power supply 301, a drivecircuit, power circuit and a target arm controller 303. In oneembodiment the power supply 301 may be an alkaline or lithium battery orother portable power system. In other embodiments the power system maybe an AC or DC power supply, AC/DC adapter, linear power supply, a walloutlet, lithium ion or other battery types (both non-chargeable andrechargeable), switched-mode power supply, programmable power supply oreven an alternative power source such as a solar panel or fuel cell. Thepower system is not limited to a single source but may include multiplepower systems working together (i.e. wall outlet and a battery) or inthe alternative, the power sources may augment each other, such as inthe event of power loss from one power system 301, a battery backup maybe initiated to replace a constant supply of power such as power flowingfrom a wall outlet.

As depicted in FIG. 3A the power system 301 may supply energy to themicrocontroller 302 and motor 304. The power circuit uses the powersupplied from the power supply 301 to initiate the drive circuit. In oneembodiment, a microcontroller 302 may be located within the powercircuit. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 302 resides ona second power circuit and draws power from the power supply 301separately from the power circuit. The second power circuit may smoothout the flow of power from the power supply 301 and evenly distribute itto the microcontroller 302 and the motor 304.

The microcontroller 302 may be a small computer on a single integratedcircuit. The microcontroller 302 may contain any or all of the followingcomponents, including but not limited to, a processor core, memory andprogrammable input and output peripherals. The components of amicrocontroller may be integrated on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Themicrocontroller may be a mixed signal microcontroller capable ofintegrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronicsystems. In one embodiment, the drive circuit may be dynamicallymanipulated by a microcontroller 302. The microcontroller may achievesuch manipulation by being fully programmable with instructions in anyknown programming language. Programming languages used to deliverinstructions may include C#, C, C++, PHP, Java, Javascript, AJAX, Perl,Ruby, Python, Visual Basic, VB.net or any other known programminglanguage. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller may be anArduino programmed in the Arduino language based on C and/or C++. In yetanother alternative embodiment, depicted in FIG. 9, the microcontroller302 may be replaced with one or more computers 901, cellular phones,tablets or a combination thereof, capable of running programmablesoftware and operatively capable of sending a signal to the motor box101 to manipulate the power system 301, the power circuit and/or drivecircuit.

The motor box 101 may be constructed out of a material rigid enough toprotect the contents of the interior of the motor box 101 from incomingprojectiles. Suitable materials for constructing the motor box 101 mayinclude metal such as steel, iron, and titanium, wood, plastic,concrete, or bullet proof materials may be used such as Kevlar®, Lexan®,or carbon fiber composite materials.

As depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the motor box 101 may include an inputmechanism 305. In one embodiment the input mechanism 305 may be a buttonor touchscreen 102 capable of sending a signal to initiate a powersupply 301 or change the operating mode of the target system 100. In analternative embodiment a dial 103 may be substituted for the button 102.In the preferred embodiment a dial 103 may be used in conjunction withthe button 102 to control the signal sent to the power supply 301. Forexample, manipulating the dial may be one means for increasing thevoltage supplied to the interior components of the motor box 101. Theincreased voltage from the power supply 301 may increase the frequencyof signals sent by the microcontroller to the motor 304 and thus mayultimately increase the output signal to the motor 304. In thispreferred embodiment, the button 102 may initiate the power system andthe dial 103 may control operating mode variables including but notlimited to motor speed, direction and timing.

In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism 305 may include awired or wireless receiver 901 receiving inputs from a wirelesstransmitter, controlled by an input device such as a remote control 700.A wireless signal may be sent from a remote control 700 to the wirelessreceiver 902. The remote control 700, input mechanism 305 or wirelesstransmitter 902 may be dispatched using an infrared frequency or a radiofrequency (RF) such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and may be received by a wiredor wireless receiver's 901 equipped with a sensor. In anotherembodiment, the receiver may be directly connected to the input devicethrough such means as a wire, USB cable or network cable directlyplugged into the receiver 901. The input device is not limited tohandheld remote controls 700 but in alternative embodiments may alsoinclude one or more computers 901, tablets, cellular telephones, orother device capable of sending signals to a receiver 902. For example asmartphone may be equipped with an application or program (an “app”)which may generate a signal sent to the receiver and may be used as acontroller 700. In additional embodiments, the input mechanism 305 mayinclude features that recognize and respond to RFID tags. The RFID tagmay be attached to an individual such as the user, third party or theRFID tag may be attached to an object, such as a pre-selected weapon. Inthe preferred embodiment featuring the RFID control mechanism, when theRFID tagged individual or object comes within a specified distance fromthe input mechanism 305, the system 900 may initiate operation. In thealternative, the RFID tag may initiate upon preselected distance ororientation of the tag in proximity to the input mechanism 305. Forexample raising a firearm into a position wherein the firearm is readyto be discharged may initiate the power supply 301.

In the embodiments of target system 100, the control mechanism 305 mayalso initiate one or more of numerous operating modes. In the preferredembodiment, the microcontroller 302 may be pre-programmed with manydifferent operating modes which may be selected by the user. Operatingmodes may each include custom settings. Customizable settings mayinclude variables such as motor 304 speed, the timing for which a motor304 will initiate the operating mode or cease functioning, the intervalsat which a motor 304 will change its speed, direction or the length ofthe motor stroke, the angles the target will swing, the resting periodbetween the height of the swing, the angle and speed of the targetsurface's 110 rotational or twisting motion or any combination of theseparameters. In an alternative embodiment, the target system 100 may beadapted to include vertical (up and down) movement as well, such asalong a Y-axis. A target system 100 may also include an in and outmovement along an X-axis.

In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 302 may bepre-programmed with two operating modes. The first operating mode mayinclude a constant sweeping motion back and forth of the control arm 111at a user designated speed. The second operating mode may include randommovement by the target, and may include randomized variation in speedand direction of movement.

In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism 305 may initiate asequence of operating modes. The sequence of operating modes mayinitiate one after another or may include a rest period in between eachoperating mode. The rest period may be a pre-programmed time limit ormay be controlled by the active user and/or third party. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the microcontroller 302 may select an operatingmode at random upon initiation of the power supply 301 by the inputmechanism 305. Any of the aforementioned embodiments may utilize lights,sounds or a combination thereof to signal the initiation, completionand/or change in operating mode. Embodiments of target system 100 mayalso utilize lights, sounds and combinations thereof during operatingmodes in a preset or random fashion to further disrupt concentration andenhance the training of the user.

A conductive means may be used to communicate a signal from themicrocontroller 302 and the drive circuit to the motor 304. In thepreferred embodiment the conductive means is a series of wiresoperatively connecting the drive circuit and the motor 304. The wiresmay include a power, ground and signal wire. In an alternativeembodiment a single power wire may be used. The wire(s) may outputsignals from the microcontroller 302 to the motor 304. The wire(s) maybe any length or gauge of thickness capable of transferring theelectrical signals sent from the microcontroller 302, and drive circuitto the motor 304. In an alternative embodiment, the target system 100may be completely wireless. Instead of using a single motor box 101,wired or wireless connections may be used between a control box whichmay house the microcontroller 302, power supply 301, drive circuits andpower circuits, and a separate motor box 101.

The motor 304 may receive electrical signals produced by themicrocontroller 302 and the motor 304 may translate those electricalsignal provided transferred through conductive means such as a wire,into a mechanical output. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanicaloutput is the rotation of the motor's 304 drive shaft. In the preferredembodiment, the motor 304 may be a DC motor. DC motors may include servomotors, shunt motors, separately excited motors, series motors,permanent magnet DC (PMDC) and compound motors. In alternativeembodiments the motor 304 may be selected from a group consisting ofstepper motors, brushless DC motors, hysteresis motors, reluctancemotors, universal motors induction motors and/or synchronous motors.

The selection of a motor may depend on the movement desired by thecontrol arm 111. For example, in one embodiment, a servo motor may beused wherein the desired movement of the control arm 111 is in apendulum motion and/or twisting motion along a pivot point. In analternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a first motorbox 101 may be placed in communication with a second motor box 1230,preferably by a conductive means such as wire 1260. The two motor boxes101 and 1230 are preferably equipped with servo motors and may be usedtogether to articulate movement is both a pendulum fashion and a motiontoward or away from the user. In yet another alternative embodiment astepper motor may be used if the target system 100 is desired to bemoved laterally along a fixed path. The target system 100 is not limitedto a single motor or motor type; alternative embodiments may use anycombination of one or more motors to achieve the desired movement ormovements of the target system 100.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict the preferred embodiment of the motor box101. In the preferred embodiment, the motor box 101 may contain asplined gear 121 operatively connected to the drive shaft of the motor304. Upon the initiation of the drive shaft, the splined gear 121 mayrotate accordingly. The splined gear 121 may contain externally facingteeth or ridges as depicted in FIG. 5A. In this embodiment the externaltooth splined gear 121 may be mated with a splined hub 122 which may beattached to or integrated with the control arm 111, as depicted in FIG.2B. In the preferred embodiment of this mated connection, the controlarm 111 includes an integrated splined hub 121 which may protrude fromthe backside of control arm 111. In the preferred embodiment, theexternal splined gear 121 mates with an internal teeth of the splinedhub 122 by placing the splined hub 122 over the external teeth of thesplined gear 121. Once mated, the output force of the motor 304 may betransferred by the external teeth of the splined gear 121 to theinternal teeth of the splined hub 122 thus providing motion to thecontrol arm 111. In the preferred embodiment the splined gear 121 mayrotate the control arm 111 clockwise or counterclockwise in any varyingdegree motion, including 360° of rotation or more. In an alternativeembodiment, the splined hub 122 may have external radial protrusionswhich mate with the internal radial protrusions of the splined gear 121.

In alternative embodiments such as the one depicted in FIG. 11A, FIG.11B, FIG. 11C, FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, one or more interlocking splinedgears 121, 1221 may be used in tandem or separately to rotate thecontrol arm in a twisting motion, or toward and/or away from the userrather than an arcing pendulum motion. The twisting motion may changethe angle of the target surface 110 in relation to the user. Onepossible way to achieve variations in target motion is by using a systemof multiple motor boxes 101 and 1230 communicatively attached to oneanother via a conductive means such as a wire 1260. In the preferredembodiment, a first motor box 101 may be outfitted with a swivelapparatus 1250. The swivel apparatus 1250 may be constructed out of anysolid or rigid material such as metal, plastic, rubber, metal, stiffpaper any other means capable of supporting a second motor box 1230including bulletproof material such as Kevlar®, Lexan® and carbon fibercomposites. The swivel 1250 may be attached to the splined gear 121through a screw or opposing splined hub attached to the swivel 1250. Theswivel may further include a mounting brackets 1240 for fastening thesecond motor box 1230. In the preferred embodiment, the second motor box1230 is fastened to the swivel's 1250 bracket 1240 using screws threadedthrough a bore 1241. The second motor box 1230 may include a secondsplined gear 1221 capable of receiving a control arm 111.

In an alternative embodiment, the motor box 101 may be verticallymounted by attaching mounting hardware to a mounting bracket fixed onthe motor box 101 thus securely fastening the mounting bracket to amounting surface. Mounting hardware may include nuts, bolts, washers,clips, staples, screws, nails or any other hardware commonly known toattach brackets to a surface. The target system 100 may be mounted to amounting surface which may include a wall, ceiling, beam, lateral cableor any other surface which may support a suspended target system 100.The target system 100 may be mounted in any orientation and is notlimited to being mounted in a vertical position. For example the targetsystem 100 may be mounted to mounting surface perpendicular to theEarth's surface such as a pole or column.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict the preferred embodiment 600 for attachingthe control arm 111 to the motor box 101. In this embodiment, thecontrol 111 may include a splined hub 122 which may include a bore largeenough to accommodate a connecting hardware 503. In the preferredembodiment 600 the connecting hardware 503 may be a screw. Connectinghardware 503 is not limited to screws and alternative embodiments mayinclude nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, fasteners, nails, rivets,pins, or any other hardware commonly known to fasten two materialstogether. In the preferred embodiment 600, the connecting hardwarepasses through the splined hub 122 of control arm 111. Connectinghardware 503 passes through the splined hub 122 and through a centralportion of the splined gear 604. Once properly tightened, the controlarm 111 may be securely affixed to the motor box 101 but may still haveenough freedom of movement to respond to the movements of the motor 304transferred to the splined gear 121.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the preferred embodiment of the control arm 111.The control arm may be fabricated out of any rigid material includingplastic, hardened rubber, wood, and metals including steel, iron,titanium and the like. The control arm may also be formed out ofbulletproof material including for example, Kevlar®, Lexan®, and carbonfiber composite materials. The control arm 111 in the preferredembodiment is a single fabricated piece however; the control arm 111 maybe multiple interconnected portions. The control arm 111 may include afirst groove 402 capable of receiving a target surface 110. The controlarm may have as many grooves necessary for receiving a target surface110 securely and in place within the control arm 111. For example thecontrol arm may have an “X” shape with a third intersecting groovebisecting the lower portion of the “X.”

In the preferred embodiment the control arm 111 may include a firstgroove 402 and a second groove 403. In the preferred embodiment thefirst and second groove may intersect perpendicularly at a right angleforming an upper case “T” shape. In alternative embodiments the groovesmay intersect at various angles and form any shape desired. Theintersecting grooves may further be constructed with at least oneflange. In the preferred embodiment, the first groove 402 and the secondgroove have flanges along their edges. The control arm 111 includes afirst flange 107 running along the top edge of the first groove 402. Thecontrol arm 111 may further comprise a parallel flange 108 running alongthe opposite side of the first groove 402. This embodiment may alsoinclude flanges running along the edge of the second groove 403. In thepreferred embodiment, the first intersecting flange 109 and secondintersecting flange 112 may be aligned perpendicular to the flanges ofthe first groove 402. In alternative embodiments, the first intersectingflange 109 and second intersecting flange 112 may be aligned at anyangle incident to the first groove 402.

The Flange 107 may include a U-shaped hook or it may be perpendicular tothe first groove 402. The shape of the flange is not limited to theseshapes and alternatively the flange may intersect with the first grove402 at any angle of incidence desired to secure and fasten the targetsurface base 113. The flange 107 or the parallel flange 108 may employany of these shapes. It is not necessary that opposing flanges includethe same shape, but in fact opposing flanges may include a combinationof shapes. The intersecting flange 109 and 112 may also employ theshapes described pertaining to the flange 107 and parallel flange 108.Accordingly these intersecting flanges may employ a combination offlange shapes which may be the same as or different from each other andthe flange shape of the first groove 402.

Alternatively, other embodiments may incorporate other means to fastenthe target surface 110. The means for attaching the target surface 110to the control 111 may include hooks, nuts, bolts, washers, loopfasteners, pins, nails, staples, screws, adhesives, glues or any knownmethod of fastening one material to another. These alternativeembodiments may be used separately from or in conjunction with theintersecting grooves 402 and 403 and the previously described flanges107, 108, 109 and 112.

A target surface 110 may interconnect with the control arm 111. Thetarget surface 110 may be made out of any material capable of beingrigid enough to maintain its shape. The target surface 110 may also beconstructed out of material that is flexible, resilient, yet still maybe capable of having its shape manipulated. Rigid and resilientmaterials may include paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, foam, or anycombination thereof or any other material capable of being rigid and/orresilient to deformation, including soft or malleable metals. In thepreferred embodiment, the target surface 110 is constructed out ofcardboard and may be 5 to 10 inches wide, however any length or width ofthe target surface 110 may be used.

The target surface 110 may also be customized for specific projectiles.In one embodiment customized target surfaces 110 may include a surfacedesigned to withstand the impact of an arrow released from a bow,compound, hunting bow or crossbow. In another embodiment, a targetsurface 110 may be further customized for arrows and bolts by laminatingthe target surface and/or applying foam based material to the targetsurface.

Other embodiments may further include designing the target surface 110with increased or decreased thickness or with a specific materialcapable of withstanding the increased force of a bullet fired fromhandguns, shotguns or rifles. In these alternative embodiments thetarget neck 114 may be comprised of metal while the target surface 110may still be comprised of cardboard or other soft yet rigid materials.Not only might the type of fire arm used be taken into considerationwhen fabricating the target, the target surface 110 may further becustomized for durability based on the caliber of bullet fired. Thetarget surface 110 and target neck 114 may be thicker or more rigidlyconstructed as the caliber size of the bullet used increases.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the target surface 110 may becoated with a reflective material to reflect a laser beam. Reflectivematerial may include reflective tape, reflective paint, reflectivecoatings or any other substance capable of imparting reflectiveproperties to the target surface 110.

Target surface 110 designs are not limited to the square or roundedshapes of traditional targets. Embodiments of target surfaces 110 may becustomized to represent any geometric shape, animals, humans or anyother creature, real or imaginary, and any shape whether it istwo-dimensional or three-dimensional.

As depicted in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the method for interconnecting thetarget surface 110 with the control arm 111 may include using the shapeof the control arm 111 to bias the target surface base 113 against thestructural features of the control arm 111. In the preferred method ofinstallation, a first side of the target surface base 113A may be fittedor pressed against the interior side of flange 107, preferably at abouta 45 degree angle of incidence with the first groove 402. The shape offlange 107 may hold the first side of the target surface base 113A inplace within the first groove 402. The second side of the target surfacebase 113B may be securely mated with parallel flange 108. Similar to thefirst side of the target surface base 113A, the second side of thetarget surface base 113B may be fitted against the interior portion ofthe parallel flange 108. The shape of the parallel flange 108 may holdthe second side of the target surface base 113B in place within thefirst groove 402. In order to make the proper interconnection, thesecond side of the target surface base 113B may be deformed ormanipulated into position between the parallel flange 108 and the firstgroove 402. Once properly in position between the parallel flange 108and the first groove 402, the second side of the target base 113 may bereformed back into its original shape. Upon reformation of the secondside of the target base, it is preferred that the target base 113 liessecurely and flush within the first groove 402.

In an alternative method of installation, the installation of the targetsurface 110 into first groove 402 may be conducted in the reverse orderof the preferred method. Depending on the method used for inserting thetarget surface base 113, a user conducting the installation and removalof the target may deform either the first side of the target surfacebase 113A or the second side of the target surface base 113B tofacilitate easier installation or removal. In this alternative method ofinstallation, the target base 113 is angled into the control arm byfirst mating the second side of the target base 113B against interiorportion of the parallel flange 108. The first side of the target base113A may be deformed as necessary to angle the rigid yet flexiblematerial, against the interior portion of the flange 107. Once the firstside of the target base is in position between the interior portion ofthe flange 107 and the first groove 402, the first side of the targetbase 113 may be reformed back into its original shape. Upon reformationof the first side of the target base, it is preferred that the targetbase 113 lies securely and flush within the first groove 402.

In the preferred embodiment, once the target base 113 has been securelyfitted into the first groove 402, the target neck 114 may then naturallyfall flatly within the second groove 403. In this preferred embodiment,the target neck 114 may be sized to a width that fits between the firstintersecting flange 109 and opposing intersecting flange 112 to provideextra stability while the target system initiates operation.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an alternative embodiment comprising a multipletarget system 800. The multiple target system 800 may be comprised ofmultiple target surfaces 806 and 811 operating using an array of motorboxes 801 and 810. FIG. 3B depicts a flow chart for one embodiment ofthe multiple target system 800. In this preferred embodiment, the firstmotor box 801 may contain a microcontroller 302, a power supply 301 anda power circuit and/or drive circuit. The first motor box 801 may alsobe capable of receiving a signal from the input mechanism 305. Themicrocontroller 302 may control both motor A 306 housed in motor box 801and motor B 307 housed in the second motor box 810. The output from themicrocontroller 302 may be transferred from motor box 801 to motor box810 through conductive means or wireless transmission. The preferredconductive means are wire 804. In an alternative embodiment, motor box801 and 810 may include two separate and complete motor boxes acting inconjunction with each other.

In the preferred embodiment of the multiple target system 800, amicrocontroller 302 may be programmed to independently control eachmotor 801 and 810 with separate sets of instructions, ultimatelyindependently controlling the position of each control arm 807 and 813independently. Accordingly, the parameters described above includingspeed, angle of the target surface, start and stop time, and stroke ofthe motor may be independent from each of the other motors 801 and 810in the array of motors.

Target surfaces 806 and 811 may be identical to each other or the targetsurfaces 806 and 811 may differ in shape and size from one another. Inthe preferred embodiment the multiple target system 800 may be suspendedfrom the ground however one or more of the control arms 807 and 813 maybe mounted to a ground surface, or a mounting surface. The multipletarget system 800 is not limited merely to two target surfaces, but mayinclude an indefinite number of targets in alternative embodiments. Inthese alternative embodiments the innumerable amount of targets may becontrolled by either a single motor box or in an array of motor boxes asdescribed above.

The multiple target system 800 may be controlled similarly to the methoddescribed above for the single target system 100. In the preferredembodiment of the multiple target system 800, a master remote control700 capable of individually controlling each motor 801 and 810 may beused. The master remote control may be capable of issuing separatecommands to each motor 801 and 810 or it may issue a single set ofinstructions to both motors 801 and 810. In an alternative embodiment,one or more individual remote controls may used to input separatecommands to each motor 801 and 810.

In the preferred embodiment, the method for moving a target system 100may include constructing a motor box or housing 101. The step ofconstructing the motor box 101 may include fabricating the motor box 101out of a material rigid enough to protect the contents of the interiorof the motor box 101 from incoming projectiles. Suitable materials forconstructing the motor box 101 may include metal such as steel, iron,and titanium, wood, plastic, concrete, or bullet proof materials may beused such as Kevlar®, Lexan®, or carbon fiber composite materials.

The method for moving a target system 100 may further include assemblinga series of electrical components which may send electrical signals tothe motor 304 or in alternative embodiments a series of motors 306 and307. The motor(s) 304 may each be housed within the motor box 101 orseparately from the motor box 101. The step of assembling electricalcomponents may include placing electrical components in communicationwith each other. Electrical components may include one or more powersupply 301, input mechanism 305, microcontroller 302, target armcontrollers 308 and 309, as well as placing electrical components incommunication with mechanical devices such as motor 304.

Electrical components may be placed in communication with one anotherusing various means. Wires of various lengths and gauges to accommodatedesired voltage requirements may be used. Alternatively, electricalcomponents may also be placed in communication with one another by usingprinted circuit boards (PCB) or printed wiring board (PWB) which mayinclude electrically conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces andmay be etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductivesubstrate. In the alternative, electrical components may be solderedtogether in a manner that allows for the electrical signal from eachcomponent to be delivered to each other connected component.Communication is not limited to these forms but may also include otherknown means for distributing, storing, switching or convertingelectrical energy. Such alternative forms may also include orincorporate switches, relays, transformers, resistors, andsemiconductors. Further alternatives for transmitting signals betweenelectronic components may also include utilizing radio waves such aswi-fi, RFID or Bluetooth, proximity sensor, motion sensor or otherinfrared may also be used or other known wireless methods ofcommunication.

Electrical components may be placed in communication with one anotherthrough the use of various circuits. In the preferred embodiment a powercircuit and drive circuit are used to communicate between the powersupply 301, microcontroller 302 and motor 304. In one embodiment thestep of communicating between the microcontroller 302 and the motor mayinclude supplying power through the power circuit to the microcontroller302 and the motor 304. The microcontroller 302 may send voltages andsignals through the drive circuit to the motor 304 thus controlling themotor output including motor speed, direction, timing and length ofstroke. During the step of communicating with the microcontroller, themotor 304 may receive electrical signals produced by the microcontroller302 and the motor 304 may translate those electrical signals providedthrough conductive means such as a wire, into a mechanical output. Inthe preferred embodiment, the mechanical output is the rotation of themotor's 304 drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the motor 304 maybe a DC motor. DC motors may include servo motors, shunt motors,separately excited motors, series motors, permanent magnet DC (PMDC) andcompound motors. In alternative embodiments the motor 304 may beselected from a group consisting of stepper motors, brushless DC motors,hysteresis motors, reluctance motors, universal motors induction motorsand/or synchronous motors.

In the preferred embodiment, communication with the microcontroller 302may result in physical movement of the motor 304. The step of moving themotor may depend on the type of motor 304 used. For example a servomotor may be used wherein the desired movement of the control arm 111 isin a pendulum motion and/or twisting motion along a pivot point. In analternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a first motorbox 101 may be placed in communication with a second motor box 1230,preferably by a conductive means such as wire 1260. The two motor boxes101 and 1230 are preferably equipped with servo motors and may be usedtogether to articulate movement is both a pendulum fashion and a motiontoward or away from the user. In yet another alternative embodiment astepper motor may be used if the target system 100 is desired to bemoved laterally along a fixed path. The target system 100 is not limitedto a single motor or motor type; alternative embodiments may use anycombination of one or more motors to achieve the desired movement ormovements of the target system 100.

Using the preferred method, the input mechanism 305 may be placed incommunication with an outside source such as a signal sent to a wirelessreceiver, computer, cell phone, tablet or other device capable ofsending a signal to the input mechanism 305. Alternative methods forsupplying a signal may include a master remote control 700 capable ofindividually sending a signal to a receiver and/or multiple receiverssimultaneously or in the alternative the master remote control maysupply independent signals to each input mechanism. Alternatively, theoutside source or signal may include manual force upon a button or dialwhich engages or communicates to the power supply 301 that an electricalsignal may be sent to the microcontroller 302 and/or motor. In thepreferred embodiment, the power supply, once initiated may supply themicrocontroller 302 with electrical current or a voltage. Themicrocontroller 302 may also send electrical signals to the motor 304.

The preferred method of placing the microcontroller 302 in communicationwith the motor 304 is by electrical wires. Any number of wires,thickness, gauge or length of wire may be used which can effectivelycommunicate with the motor to begin or cease operations of a programmedinstruction. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 302 isplaced in communication with the motor 304 by three wires. The wires mayinclude a ground, a power, and a signal wire. Alternatively a singlepower wire may be used to initiate and communicate with the motor 304.

The method of moving a target system 100 may also include a step ofaffixing the target system to a surface, for example to increasestability. The motor box 101 may be vertically mounted by attachingmounting hardware to a mounting bracket fixed on the motor box 101 thussecurely fastening the mounting bracket to a mounting surface. Mountinghardware may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, screws, nailsor any other hardware commonly known to attach brackets to a surface.The target system 100 may be mounted to a mounting surface which mayinclude a wall, ceiling, beam, lateral cable or any other surface whichmay support a suspended target system 100. The target system 100 may bemounted in any orientation and is not limited to being mounted in avertical position. For example the target system 100 may be mounted tomounting surface perpendicular to the Earth's surface such as a pole orcolumn.

Under the preferred method for moving a target system 100, themicrocontroller 302 may be programmable. The step of programming amicrocontroller 302 may be done by pre-programming the microcontrollerdirectly from the manufacturer or by the end-user in any knownprogramming language including but not limited to deliver instructionsmay include C#, C, C++, PHP, Java, Javascript, AJAX, Perl, Ruby, Python,Visual Basic, VB.net. The step of programming the microcontroller mayinclude generating or modifying source code and/or saving or deletinginstructions to the microcontroller 302 which may provide instructionsfor an operating mode. The instructions may be saved directly to themicrocontroller memory. Multiple sets of instructions may be saved andrecalled by the user as an operating mode of the targeting system 100.Each operating mode may include customizable settings as variables suchas motor 304 speed, the timing for which a motor 304 will initiate theoperating mode or cease functioning, the intervals at which a motor 304will change its speed, direction or the length of the motor stroke, theangles the target will swing, the resting period between the height ofthe swing, the angle and speed of the target surface's 110 rotational ortwisting motion or any combination of these parameters. The step ofprogramming may include writing, saving, deleting, or modifying anoperating mode saved to microcontroller 302. The step of programming themicrocontroller 302 may further include generating any sequence of codedinstructions that can be inserted into the microcontroller 302 or anyother mechanism which may replace the microcontroller such as computers,tablets, cell phones, laptops, arduinos or any other computing device.

In alternative embodiments, the step of programming a microcontroller302 may further include programming one or more computers 901, cellularphones, tablets or a combination thereof, running programmable softwareand operatively capable of sending a signal to the motor box 101 whichmay manipulate the power system 301, the power circuit and/or drivecircuit.

The method of moving a target may further include the step of connectinga control arm 111 to the motor box 101. In the preferred embodiment, thecontrol arm 111 may be attached to the motor box's splined gear 121. Thesplined gear 121 may contain externally facing teeth or ridges. In thepreferred embodiment the act of connecting may include interlocking theexternal tooth splined gear 121 with a splined hub 122. In the preferredembodiment of this mated connection, the control arm 111 includes anintegrated splined hub 121 which may protrude from the backside ofcontrol arm 111. In the preferred embodiment, the external splined gear121 mates with an internal teeth of the splined hub 122 by placing thesplined hub 122 over the external teeth of the splined gear 121. Oncemated, the output force of the motor 304 may be transferred by theexternal teeth of the splined gear 121 to the internal teeth of thesplined hub 122 thus providing motion to the control arm 111. In thepreferred embodiment, once connected the splined gear 121 may rotate thecontrol arm 111 clockwise or counterclockwise in any varying degreemotion, including 360° of rotation or more. In an alternativeembodiment, the splined hub 122 may have external radial protrusionswhich are connected with the internal radial protrusions of the splinedgear 121.

In alternative embodiments of the method of moving a target, the step ofconnecting may include interlocking one or more splined gears 121, 1221which may be used in tandem or separately to rotate the control arm in atwisting motion, or toward and/or away from the user rather than anarcing pendulum motion. Alternatively, the step of connecting a controlarm to a motor may include multiple motor boxes 101 and 1230communicatively attached to one another via a conductive means such as awire 1260. In the preferred embodiment, the step of connecting mayinclude a first motor box 101 outfitted with a swivel apparatus 1250attaching to a splined gear 121 through a screw or opposing splined hubattached to the swivel 1250. The swivel may further include a mountingbracket 1240 for fastening the second motor box 1230. In the preferredembodiment, the step of connecting may include the second motor box 1230being fastened to the swivel's 1250 bracket 1240 using screws threadedthrough a bore 1241. The second motor box 1230 may then be attached to asecond splined gear 1221 capable of receiving a control arm 111.

The preferred method of connecting the control arm to the motor box 101may include passing through a splined hub 122 connecting hardware 503which may include a central bore of the splined hub 122. In thepreferred embodiment 600 the connecting hardware 503 may be a screw.Connecting hardware 503 is not limited to screws and alternativeembodiments may include nuts, bolts, washers, clips, staples, fasteners,nails, rivets, pins, or any other hardware commonly known to fasten twomaterials together. In the preferred embodiment 600, the connectinghardware may pass through the splined hub 122 of control arm 111.Connecting hardware 503 passes through the splined hub 122 and through acentral portion of the splined gear 604. Once properly threaded throughthe bore, the step of connecting may include tightening the connectinghardware affixed to the control arm 111 in order to securely affix thecontrol arm to the motor box 101.

The method of moving a target may further include the step of attachinga target surface 110 to a control arm 111. In the preferred embodimentthe method for attaching the target surface 110 includes utilizing atleast one groove of the control arm 111. In the preferred embodiment thetarget surface may be held in place to a control arm 111 by a firstgroove 402 and/or a second groove 403. In the preferred embodiment thefirst and second groove may intersect perpendicularly at a right angleforming an upper case “T” shape. In alternative embodiments the groovesmay intersect at various angles and form any shape desired. The firstand second groove may aid in attaching the target surface to the controlarm providing space which may hold or secure the target surface 110. Inaddition, the intersecting grooves 402 and 403 may further include atleast one flange for aiding in securing the target base 113 and targetsurface 110 to the control arm 111. In the preferred embodiment, thefirst groove 402 and the second groove have flanges along their edges.The control arm 111 may include a first flange 107 running along the topedge of the first groove 402. The control arm 111 may further comprise aparallel flange 108 running along the opposite side of the first groove402. This embodiment may also include flanges running along the edge ofthe second groove 403. In the preferred embodiment, the firstintersecting flange 109 and second intersecting flange 112 may bealigned perpendicular to the flanges of the first groove 402. Inalternative embodiments, the first intersecting flange 109 and secondintersecting flange 112 may be aligned at any angle incident to thefirst groove 402.

The Flange 107 may include a U-shaped hook for attaching the target base113 to the control arm 111 or it may include a flange 107 perpendicularto the first groove 402. The shape of the flange is not limited to theseshapes and alternatively the flange may intersect with the first grove402 at any angle of incidence desired for attaching, securing andfastening the target surface base 113. The flange 107 or the parallelflange 108 may employ any of these shapes and may be used in combinationwith flange 107 to further secure or provide additional attachmentpoints of the target surface 110 or target surface base 113. It is notnecessary that opposing flanges include the same shape, but in factopposing flanges may include a combination of shapes. The intersectingflange 109 and 112 may also employ the shapes described pertaining tothe flange 107 and parallel flange 108. Accordingly these intersectingflanges may employ a combination of flange shapes which may be the sameas or different from each other and the flange shape of the first groove402.

Alternatively, the step of attaching the target surface 110 to thecontrol arm 111 may include other embodiments which may incorporateother means to attach the target surface 110. The means for attachingthe target surface 110 to the control 111 may also include hooks, nuts,bolts, washers, loop fasteners, pins, nails, staples, screws, adhesives,glues or any known method of fastening one material to another. Thesealternative embodiments may be used separately from or in conjunctionwith the intersecting grooves 402 and 403 and the previously describedflanges 107, 108, 109 and 112.

The method for attaching the target surface 110 to the control arm 111may include using the shape of the control arm 111 to bias the targetsurface base 113 against the structural features of the control arm 111.In the preferred method of attaching, a first side of the target surfacebase 113A may be fitted or pressed against the interior side of flange107, preferably at about a 45 degree angle of incidence with the firstgroove 402. The shape of flange 107 may hold the first side of thetarget surface base 113A in place within the first groove 402. Thesecond side of the target surface base 113B may be securely mated withparallel flange 108. Similar to the first side of the target surfacebase 113A, the second side of the target surface base 113B may be fittedagainst the interior portion of the parallel flange 108. The shape ofthe parallel flange 108 may hold the second side of the target surfacebase 113B in place within the first groove 402. In order to make theproper interconnection, the second side of the target surface base 113Bmay be deformed or manipulated into position between the parallel flange108 and the first groove 402. Once properly in position between theparallel flange 108 and the first groove 402, the second side of thetarget base 113 may be reformed back into its original shape. Uponreformation of the second side of the target base, it is preferred thatthe target base 113 may lie securely and flush within the first groove402.

In an alternative method of attaching, the target surface 110 to thecontrol arm 111, the reverse order of the preferred method may be used.Depending on the method used for inserting the target surface base 113,a user attaching the target may deform either the first side of thetarget surface base 113A or the second side of the target surface base113B to facilitate easier attachment or removal. In this alternativemethod of installation, the target base 113 may be angled into thecontrol arm by first mating the second side of the target base 113Bagainst interior portion of the parallel flange 108. The first side ofthe target base 113A may be deformed as necessary to angle the rigid yetflexible material, against the interior portion of the flange 107. Oncethe first side of the target base is in position between the interiorportion of the flange 107 and the first groove 402, the first side ofthe target base 113 may be reformed back into its original shape. Uponreformation of the first side of the target base, it is preferred thatthe target base 113 lies securely and flush within the first groove 402.

In the preferred embodiment, once the target base 113 has been securelyattached into the first groove 402 of the control arm 111, the targetneck 114 may then naturally fall flatly within the second groove 403.The first intersecting flange 109 and opposing intersecting flange 112may provide extra stability once attached while the target systeminitiates operation.

The method for moving a target may further include a step of supplying asignal to a microcontroller wherein the microcontroller 302 executes atleast one set of the programmed instructions. A signal may be suppliedto the microcontroller 302 by any known means for initiating the powersupply 301 or any means known to change the operating mode of the targetsystem 100. Such means for supplying a signal may include a button ortouchscreen 102 and/or a dial 103. In one embodiment for supplying asignal, manipulating the dial may be one means for increasing thevoltage supplied to the interior components of the motor box 101,including the microcontroller 302 which may respond to the increasedvoltage by executing a set of programmed instructions in accordance withthe microcontroller's programming. For example the signal sent mayinstruct the microcontroller to increase the frequency of signals tosend to the motor 304 and thus may ultimately increase the output signalto the motor 304. In this preferred embodiment, the button 102 mayinitiate the power system and the dial 103 may control operating modevariables including but not limited to motor speed, direction andtiming.

In an alternative embodiment, the step of supplying a signal may includesupplying and receiving a signal from a wireless transmitter, controlledby an input device or input mechanism such as a remote control 700. Asignal may be transmitted through a wired or wireless connection. Awireless signal may be sent from a remote control 700 to the wirelessreceiver 902. The remote control 700, input mechanism 305 or wirelesstransmitter 902 may be using an infrared frequency or a radio frequency(RF) such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and may be received by a wired orwireless receiver 901 which may be equipped with a sensor. In anotherembodiment, the receiver may be directly connected to the input devicethrough such means as a wire, USB cable or network cable directlyplugged into the receiver 901. The input device is not limited tohandheld remote controls 700 but in alternative embodiments may alsoinclude one or more computers 901, tablets, cellular telephones, orother device capable of sending signals to a receiver 902. For example asmartphone may be equipped with an application or program (an “app”)which may generate a signal sent to the receiver and may be used as acontroller 700. In additional embodiments, the input mechanism 305 maysupply a signal using RFID tags. The RFID tag may be attached to anindividual such as the user, third party or the RFID tag may be attachedto an object, such as a pre-selected weapon. In the preferred embodimentfeaturing the RFID control mechanism, when the RFID tagged individual orobject comes within a specified distance from the input mechanism 305,the system 900 may receive a signal to initiate operation. In thealternative, the RFID tag may supply the signal once an individual orobject's orientation of the tag in proximity to the input mechanism 305is properly aligned in a programmed position that is recognized by areceiver. For example raising a firearm into a position wherein thefirearm is ready to be discharged may initiate the power supply 301.

The step of supplying a signal to execute at least one instruction mayinclude in one embodiment initiating via an input mechanism 305 one ormore operating modes. In the preferred embodiment, the microcontroller302 may be pre-programmed with many different operating modes which maybe selected by the user. Operating modes may each include customsettings. Customizable settings may include variables such as motor 304speed, the timing for which a motor 304 will initiate the operating modeor cease functioning, the intervals at which a motor 304 will change itsspeed, direction or the length of the motor stroke, the angles thetarget will swing, the resting period between the height of the swing,the angle and speed of the target surface's 110 rotational or twistingmotion or any combination of these parameters. In an alternativeembodiment, the target system 100 may be adapted to include vertical (upand down) movement as well, such as along a Y-axis. A target system 100may also include an in and out movement along an X-axis. The step ofsupplying a signal may include in one embodiment initiate a sequence ofoperating modes. The sequence of operating modes may initiate one afteranother or may include a rest period in between each operating mode. Therest period may be a pre-programmed time limit or may be controlled bythe active user and/or third party. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the microcontroller 302 may select an operating mode atrandom upon initiation of the power supply 301 by the input mechanism305. Any of the aforementioned embodiments may utilize lights, sounds ora combination thereof to signal the initiation, completion and/or changein operating mode. Embodiments of target system 100 may also utilizelights, sounds and combinations thereof during operating modes in apreset or random fashion to further disrupt concentration and enhancethe training of the user.

The method for moving a target may include the step of supplying asignal to execute at least one instruction for multiple targetingsurfaces controlled by motors 306 and 307. In this embodiment the firstmotor box 801 may contain a microcontroller 302, a power supply 301 anda power circuit and/or drive circuit. The first motor box 801 may alsobe capable of receiving a signal from the input mechanism 305. Themicrocontroller 302 may control both motor A 306 housed in motor box 801and motor B 307 housed in the second motor box 810. The output from themicrocontroller 302 may be transferred from motor box 801 to motor box810 through conductive means or wireless transmission. The preferredconductive means are wire 804. In an alternative embodiment, motor box801 and 810 may include two separate and complete motor boxes acting inconjunction with each other upon receiving a signal supplied by one ormore input mechanisms 305.

In the preferred embodiment of the multiple target system 800, amicrocontroller 302 may be programmed to independently control eachmotor 801 and 810 with separate sets of instructions, ultimatelyindependently controlling the position of each control arm 807 and 813independently. Accordingly, the parameters described above includingspeed, angle of the target surface, start and stop time, and stroke ofthe motor may be independent from each of the other motors 801 and 810in the array of motors.

We claim:
 1. A target practice system comprising: a target surface; acontrol arm capable of receiving and securing the target surface; amotor capable of changing the target surface's position; and amicrocontroller directing the motor's output.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein the control arm further comprises a first flange and a secondflange parallel to the first flange.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe control arm is T-shaped.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the targetsurface is constructed from a material selected from a group consistingof paper, plastic, wood, cardboard, foam and a combination thereof. 5.The system of claim 1 wherein the targeting surface is designed toaccommodate arrows and/or bolts.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein thetargeting surface is reflective.
 7. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a second motor connected to the motor capable of changing thetarget arm's position.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the second motoris connected to a second control arm.
 9. The system of claim 1 whereinthe motor is selected from a group consisting of a servo motor, steppermotor, shunt motor and brushless DC motor.
 10. The system of claim 1wherein the motor is capable of changing the control arm's positiongreater than 1°.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the motor is capableof changing the control arm's orientation toward a user motion bygreater than 1°.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the microcontrolleris encoded with programmable software.
 13. The system of claim 12wherein the microcontroller is an Arduino.
 14. The system of claim 12wherein the programmable software is programmed in a language selectedfrom a group consisting of C, C++, Perl, Java, Javascript, Visual Basic,PHP, Ruby, Python and a combination thereof.
 15. The system of claim 1further comprising an input device capable of sending a signal to themicrocontroller.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the input device isselected from a group consisting of a remote control, computer, tablet,RFID, cellular telephone and a combination thereof.
 17. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one power system to themicrocontroller.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the power system isportable.
 19. A method for moving a target comprising the steps of:placing the microcontroller in communication with a motor; programming amicrocontroller with at least one set of instructions to control themotor; connecting a control arm to the motor; attaching a target surfaceto the control arm; and supplying a signal to the microcontroller toexecute at least one of the at least one set of instructions.
 20. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the at least one set of instructionscontrolling the motor includes at least one variable wherein thevariable is selected from a group consisting of change in motor speed,motor timing, motor direction and length of motor stroke and acombination thereof.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the step ofprogramming at least one set of instructions, comprises two or more setsof instructions.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step ofsupplying a signal to the microcontroller to execute at least one of theat least one set of instructions further comprises executing two or moresets of instructions sequentially.
 23. An apparatus for securing atarget surface comprising: at least one pair of intersecting grooves,wherein the at least one pair of intersecting grooves include at leastone flange interlocking with the target surface.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 23 wherein the at least one pair of intersecting grooves intersectat a right angle.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the at the atleast one pair of intersecting grooves intersect to form a T-shape. 26.The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the at least one pair of intersectinggrooves further comprise: a flange formed at a first edge of the firstintersecting groove; and a parallel flange opposite the flange, formedalong a second edge of the first intersecting groove.
 27. The apparatusof claim 26 wherein the at least one pair of intersecting groovesfurther comprises: a flange formed along a first edge of a secondintersecting groove; and a parallel flange opposite the flange formedalong the first edge of the second interconnecting groove.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 23 wherein the apparatus is constructed from amaterial selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, wood,hardened rubber and a combination thereof.
 29. A method for securing atarget surface to a control arm comprising: interlocking a first side ofa target surface with a first side of a control arm; and interlocking asecond side of the target surface against a second side of the controlarm.
 30. The method of claim 29 further comprising the steps of:deforming the second side of the target surface; and reforming thesecond side of the target surface.
 31. An apparatus for target practicecomprising: a removable target surface; a control arm; and a means forsecuring the target surface to the control arm.